March 20, 2020 – Woodridge Park District selected Dan Pater as the 2019 Woodridge Park District Coach of the Year. Dan has been a coach for the park district’s youth basketball league for two years and also coaches baseball for the Woodridge Athletic Association.
Dan volunteered to be a coach as soon as his son was old enough to participate in sports leagues. His love and knowledge of sports was something Dan wanted to share with the other children he coached. When asked about what he liked about coaching youth players, he replied, I love seeing my youth players take something they are taught in practice and apply it to the game. I also enjoy watching the players fill up with pride when they accomplish something they thought they couldn’t do or was too tough.
Special recognition also goes to Woodridge Park District volunteers Billy Oliver, Vince Pavilionis, Justin Riskus, Brian Steinberg and Bridget Chojnacki, who also were nominated for the award.
